Milwaukie High School has, for years, had a successful Gold Star Veterans Day Assembly honoring fallen alumni who gave their lives in war. During this silent assembly, students leave their classrooms and return in complete and utter silence. Poems are read, Taps is played, the choir sings Battle Hymn of the Republic, and candles are extinguished to honor each of the 49 Milwaukie High School students and one teacher who died in service to their country. However, with the approach of the 50th anniversary of the end of the World War II, students and staff felt the need to bring this historical event to life by inviting veterans to tell their stories and share their experiences with students. The first Living History Day took place in 1996 and it honored 250 World War II veterans who participated in the event. Living History Day was a school-wide project that involved staff and students throughout the year.